ALAN Shearer yet again proved Sir Bobby Robson's match-winner as Newcastle made hard work of disposing of struggling Leeds.

The Magpies passed up a series of first-half opportunities and saw a Gary Speed header crash against the post to leave Shearer's superb fourth-minute strike - his 17th of the season - their only cushion as the game entered its final stages.

Robson would have been furious had his side not tied up three points which appeared to be theirs for the taking almost from the off, but they were made to scrap all the way as the visitors bravely launched a belated rearguard action in which substitute Michael Bridges squandered a glorious opportunity to rescue a point.

Speed and Jermaine Jenas were commanding in midfield for the home side while Shearer and Kieron Dyer caused all kinds of problems for Eddie Gray's defence, although they found Michael Duberry in inspired form.